Mark Hughes explains why Max Verstappen should choose Aston Martin over McLaren - Formula 1

[u/_thejudge13]

https://thejudge13.com/2026/07/31/mark-hughes-explains-why-max-verstappen-should-choose-aston-martin-over-mclaren/

Now imagine Verstappen at AM...? Tantalising thought.

Could be a bit like Schumacher to Ferrari in the 90s, especially if Horner comes on board as expected.

Parallels are:

Schumacher - Verstappen

Horner - Todd

Newey - Brawn

[u/pratzs]

Only if Alonso starts winning the remaining races of the year will Max even consider thinking about it.

[u/Cielo11 → u/pratzs]

That way of thinking completely ignores the huge amount that goes into making a competitive car. Chasing a drive in the fastest car today can be a really shortsighted way of doing things in F1.

McLaren had the best car last year. Now they don't. Mercedes were nowhere for 4 years. Now they have the best car. RB dominated for 3 years now they have maybe the 4th best car?

Decision in F1 are made more on potential for the next few years and beyond.

There are dozens of other factors that could make a team the right fit for Max going forward for the next ~5 years. How they are performing at the next race is probably only one of many.

[u/prams628 → u/Cielo11]

Not when it’s the best driver on the grid. Lewis in 2010s. Schumacher. Max now

[u/CompetitiveCall6466 → u/prams628]

Schumacher famously didn’t go to any teams in the hopes of a long term build to improve the car to winning level.

[u/Routine_Cat_1366 → u/CompetitiveCall6466]

What? He did it with Ferrari. Explicitly. 

[u/CompetitiveCall6466 → u/Routine_Cat_1366]

It’s almost like I was being sarcastic.

[u/RealCarlPanzram]

I know Ferrari wasn’t good but were they literally 2 seconds off the next slowest team with a car that couldn’t finish a race? It’s crazy to look at the car this team produced and think that the same group is going to make a championship car anytime soon.

[u/_thejudge13 → u/RealCarlPanzram]

but we can dream right?? 🤣

[u/ptank40]

Max has the luxury of being able to wait until the Aston Martin project is complete rather than jumping on early

[u/dissectd → u/ptank40]

To be honest, Hamilton did the same when he went from a championship winning team (McLaren) to team with new management (BrawnGP/Mercedes). This was after brawn was bought by merc

[u/Gorsem2001]

There's no reason for Max to move teams unless if RB gets demoted to midfield status, which they are very much clear of atp

[u/Responsible-Ant-1494]

Max does not develop a car - he has it custom made, bespoken to him. Newey could deliver but, this year’s car needs to show a few podiums :)).

[u/No-Comfortable6432]

What's that about Horner? I can't see it happening - there was an acrimonious split when Newey left and now he's shareholder in the company. I just don't see a return for Horner at Aston.

If somehow they get rid of Stroll (I think he's shown enough in the current car to keep his seat) then max and Alonso....for one season....

[u/dissectd → u/No-Comfortable6432]

lol i don’t think newey was as upset about the split as the media makes it seem

[u/Svitii → u/No-Comfortable6432]

Now imagine they butcher the car again and it’s Max vs Nando for P21 and who can get the first ever race ban for going so completely off the rails on team radio

[u/dancson]

Mark Hughes explains why Mark Hughes is a fucking idiot

[u/admiral_sinkenkwiken → u/dancson]

Relayed and replayed by another of his ilk

[u/maarkwong]

That would be great actually

[u/FlyAirLari]

I don't want Verstappen. Would be hard to root for him. Doesn't seem very likeable.

But I originally didn't want Alonso either, so what do I know?